perhaps from פָּסַס; dispersion; Pispah, an Israelite; Pispah.
Transliteration:Piçpâh
Pronunciation:pis-paw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term פִּסְפָּה (Piçpâh), transliterated as Pispah, functions exclusively as a proper noun within the biblical text. Its base definition indicates it is a personal name. Etymologically, it is suggested to derive from the root פָּסַס (pasas), which signifies "to disperse," "to scatter," or "to spread out." Therefore, the name Pispah likely carries the meaning of "dispersion" or "scattering." As a proper noun, its semantic range is precisely limited to identifying a specific individual within a genealogical record, rather than conveying a broader conceptual meaning or possessing multiple applications.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Pispah (פִּסְפָּה, Piçpâh) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Chronicles:
* [[1 Chronicles 7:38]]: "The sons of Jether: Jephunneh, Pispah, and Ara."
In this solitary occurrence, Pispah is listed as one of the sons of Jether, who is himself identified as a descendant of Asher, one of Jacob's sons. This placement is within the extensive genealogies that constitute a significant portion of the early chapters of 1 Chronicles. The context is purely genealogical, serving to meticulously record the lineage and tribal affiliations of the Israelites. No narrative or descriptive details are provided about Pispah beyond his inclusion in this ancestral line. His presence underscores the precise nature of the biblical record-keeping concerning the tribes of Israel, particularly in establishing their identities and land inheritances.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to Pispah is its proposed root, פָּסַס (pasas), which corresponds to Strong's number `{{H6461}}`. This verb denotes the action of "spreading out," "dispersing," or "scattering." While the name Pispah itself does not directly convey an action, its etymological link to this verb suggests a conceptual connection to the idea of dispersion. This concept is significant throughout biblical history, often referring to the scattering of peoples (e.g., at Babel, [[Genesis 11:8]]), or more frequently, the dispersion of Israel among the nations due to covenant disobedience (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 28:64]], [[Jeremiah 9:16]]). However, it is crucial to note that the name Pispah, as a proper noun, does not inherently carry this theological weight in its singular appearance; rather, the *root* word evokes such themes. Concepts related to Pispah's context include lineage, genealogy, tribal identity (specifically the tribe of Asher), and the meticulous preservation of family records within ancient Israel.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun appearing only once in a genealogical list, the direct theological significance of Pispah himself is limited. He is not presented as a figure of narrative importance or theological instruction. However, his inclusion, like that of countless other names in the Chronicler's genealogies, carries profound theological weight. These meticulous records affirm God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people and their tribal identities. They underscore the divine attention to individual lives within the larger tapestry of salvation history, demonstrating that even those without explicit narrative roles are part of God's overarching plan. The genealogies were vital for establishing claims to land, priestly service, and ultimately, the messianic line. Thus, Pispah's presence, though seemingly minor, contributes to the biblical emphasis on continuity, heritage, and the meticulous nature of God's providential oversight of His people's history. The etymological meaning of "dispersion," while not directly applied to Pispah's life, subtly echoes the broader biblical themes of Israel's experiences of being scattered and subsequently gathered by divine grace.
### Summary
Pispah (פִּסְפָּה, Piçpâh, `{{H6462}}`) is a personal name, likely meaning "dispersion" or "scattering," derived from the Hebrew root פָּסַס (pasas, `{{H6461}}`). It appears only once in the Old Testament, listed in the genealogies of the tribe of Asher in [[1 Chronicles 7:38]]. While the individual Pispah holds no narrative significance, his inclusion in the sacred text highlights the meticulous biblical record-keeping of Israelite lineages. This emphasis on genealogy underscores God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people, maintaining tribal identity, and providing a historical framework for the unfolding of His redemptive plan, even for those whose lives remain largely unchronicled.
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